General Dentistry›Gum Disease Treatment
Gum Disease
Treatment
At a Glance
Gingivitis
First Stage
Periodontitis
Advanced Stage
Deep cleaning & more
Treatment
Local (for SRP)
Anaesthesia
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults — yet it is both preventable and highly treatable, especially when caught early. At Keheewin Family Dental, we offer comprehensive periodontal assessment and targeted treatments to restore your gum health and protect your smile for the long term.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth — the gums, ligaments, and underlying bone. It begins as gingivitis, a mild inflammation caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Without treatment, it can advance to periodontitis, where the infection destroys the bone and connective tissue holding your teeth in place.
Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, which is why so many people are unaware they have it until significant damage has occurred. Regular professional check-ups are the most reliable way to detect it early.
- Gingivitis: red, swollen gums that bleed easily — fully reversible with treatment
- Periodontitis: bone and tissue loss, gum recession, potential tooth loosening or loss
- Often progresses silently — professional monitoring is essential
- Linked to systemic conditions including heart disease and diabetes
Research has found links between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, preterm birth, and other systemic conditions. Treating gum disease is an investment in your overall health, not just your smile.
Our Treatment Approach
Our approach begins with a thorough periodontal assessment — measuring the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums, checking for bleeding, assessing bone levels on X-rays, and evaluating gum recession and tooth mobility.
Based on this assessment, we develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. For early-stage disease, a thorough professional cleaning and improved home care may be all that's needed. More advanced disease requires deeper intervention.
- Comprehensive periodontal charting and X-ray assessment
- Scaling and root planing (SRP) — deep cleaning below the gumline under local anaesthesia
- Antimicrobial therapy to reduce bacterial load
- Personalized oral hygiene coaching and home care guidance
- Ongoing periodontal maintenance to sustain results
What to Expect During Treatment
For gingivitis, treatment is often straightforward — a thorough professional cleaning and improved home care are typically sufficient to reverse the inflammation and restore gum health.
For more advanced disease, scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning procedure) is performed under local anaesthesia. This removes the bacterial deposits from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums can reattach and heal. Treatment may be completed in one or two appointments.
- Local anaesthesia applied for comfort throughout deep-cleaning procedures
- Detailed aftercare instructions provided following every treatment
- Follow-up appointment to assess healing and pocket depth reduction
- Maintenance cleaning schedule established to prevent recurrence
Preventing Gum Disease
The best treatment for gum disease is preventing it from developing in the first place. A consistent daily oral hygiene routine combined with regular professional care is the most effective strategy.
- Brush twice daily — particularly along the gumline
- Floss every day to remove plaque from between teeth where your brush can't reach
- Visit us every 6 months (or more often if recommended) for professional cleanings
- Don't smoke — tobacco use is one of the strongest risk factors for gum disease
- Manage systemic conditions like diabetes that increase susceptibility
Common
Questions
What are the warning signs of gum disease?
Common signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, gum recession, loose teeth, and sensitivity at the gumline. However, gum disease can be present with no noticeable symptoms — which is why regular professional check-ups are so important.
Is gum disease reversible?
In its earliest stage — gingivitis — gum disease is fully reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. More advanced periodontitis cannot be fully reversed because the bone and tissue that have been destroyed don't regenerate, but it can be effectively controlled with ongoing treatment to prevent further damage.
Is the treatment painful?
We use local anaesthesia for scaling and root planing so you remain comfortable throughout. Most patients experience mild gum tenderness and sensitivity for a few days after treatment, which resolves quickly. We'll provide specific aftercare instructions to support your recovery.
How often will I need to come in after treatment?
After completing active gum disease treatment, we typically recommend more frequent maintenance cleanings — often every 3–4 months rather than the standard six months — to monitor your gum health and keep the disease under control. The frequency is adjusted based on how well your gums respond.
Ready to
Get Started?
Book your appointment at Keheewin Family Dental today and take the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
